Is there something that's done for it (therapeutically) or that helps it get better?

See, I had this talk with one of my doctors today about my suck-y memory. I was worried or self-conscious because I can't remember a lot of things. (Work, no prob. I remember everything work-related or relevant to work. I also retain a great deal about doctor appointments and med. stuff. But... even after a procedure, once it's over, it's over and I can recall small bits here and there.)

The prob. is I can't remember huge or important events in my life or that are super important to others (such as vacations and b-day parties, etc.); I just remember bits and pieces, and, usually, it takes someone to bring up something very specific before I remember any of it.

People, who also been at the events or on the vacations, remember things in so much detail and, then, look at me as if I'm "losing it" or something. I can't even count the number of times I've been told: "You have to remember." (I've heard it way too many times to count.) Well, actually, I don't; I can't force myself to remember something that just ain't there or isn't clicking.

My doc, today, said it's "Traumatic Stress." So I Googled: '"Traumatic Stress" and "memory."' Most of the results seem to indicate it's PTSD-related.

No shock there; I've been dx'd with it for ages. I don't talk about it much. My doc is going to speak with me more about it at next week's appointment. (Today's appointment was nearly over when I asked what's wrong with my memory, since it has been on my mind a lot lately.)

Now, I'm wondering: Does it get better? Do people with crummy memories eventually remember about the vacations and stuff? I mean, I know I went; I have a ton of photos, but... they are just that: Pictures. It may as been someone else who took them since I haven't much to associate with them or give them context.

Is there a medication for it or what happens?

Does someone know?

I know my doc will answer some of these things next week, yet, everything will still be floating around in my brain until then anyway.

I have been under chronic stress and have something akin to PTSD. In addition, I take medication to treat my migraines that is causing memory problems. Like you, I am also looking for medications or supplements to help with memory deficits.

I know that the medications to treat ADD might be helpful. Ritalin is probably the most common.

Some supplements that might help include: Phosphatidylserine, Lecithin, Acetyl L Carntine and Inositol.

The B Vitamins, especially B6, might be helpful with depression and many folks seem to get benefit by taking additional B12 as well. Omega 3's, like Fish Oil, can be helpful too.

Eating healthfully, getting in some exercise and regularly sleep can and will help the body heal.

I think this is such a very difficult problem, it will probably take many things to really get a handle on it and I'm looking for good ideas as well.

What is "akin to PTSD"? I'd like to ask my doc about it, as well, if there are reputable treatments available.

Thanks!

The dynamics that lead to PTSD and memory probs. may differ, I think, from, i.e., ADD, migraines, etc. I mean, isn't the former due to overwhelming situations? and the latter have a root in ... ?

Doesn't the mind displace or something with trauma? I'm not "new" to the dx; I just haven't mentioned much about anything related to my docs because I didn't know it could be related and I still don't want to talk about anything that presented trauma. I spent a number of days, in the past, for an evaluation, talking about everything and the doc was a moron. He also lost his license, and no thanks to me. Must've been other patients who didn't care much for his approach.

I suffered trauma in my youth and could have some PTSD related to that. Or the fact that I am currently under a lot of stress, might be causing that former situation to be a problem again. I take a medication for migraines that is certainly a big problem. I also think migraines in and of themselves might cause memory issues. I have lupus and Fibro symptoms. For me, the memory "stuff" going on can be coming from a variety of sources. I am trying medication and supplementation and have gotten a small amount of help. I have also found getting plenty of rest at night to be a little helpful. For now, I think doing every little bit I can is the best I can do to sort of piece it together to get better results. This is why I keep searching for new and creative ideas. I hope you feel better soon.

Thank you, Vowel Lady. I hope you know that I wasn't trying to pry or anything; I just wanted to understand more what you are experiencing and how it also affects memory.

I can certainly understand how pain can be a total distraction; at times, it can be all-consuming.

I hope that you do get a lot of relief from your migraines (soon, at least); I don't get them, but my neighbor and a couple of friends do and I know that they are quite debilitating.

I know this post is almost 2 weeks old, but it didn't look like you really got an answer. Over the years, I realized that a big part of my memory problems came from inattention because of my anxiety. Any time I heard clicking heels walk by, felt someone too close to me, smelled pipe tobacco or a number of other triggers, my mind would start focusing more on those things than what I was trying to pay attention to. It wasn't that I was forgetting things, it was that I was never learning them in the first place.

I've found some things that have helped in my case. I sit with my back to a wall and near a door whenever possible so I don't feel trapped or worry about someone coming up behind me. When another trigger sets off my anxiety, I try to figure out what it is, acknowledge that it's there and that it's upsetting me. It seems to help me move past it and get back to what I should be paying attention to. I still have a lot of dissociative episodes, but it's gotten much better.

Ten years ago, I probably had about 10 hours of clear memories from my first 25 years. I am gradually getting to the point where I can remember more about my childhood, teenage years and early adult life. A big part of remembering has been similar to what I already said, when I feel a trigger I try to figure out why it bothers me. I don't always succeed, but it seems to bring up memories of things I'd forgotten and I'm guessing led up to whatever caused it to become a trigger.

I hope that made more sense to you than it does to me, but I can't come up with a better way of explaining it.

I had a very traumatic event take place when I was ONLY 14 years old.
I've had several other horrible events, but this one was the worst, only I don't remember one moment of what happened.
I know I was raped, there was lots of evidence left behind.
I was just "asleep" during what happened because I was drugged.

Councelors all say that it was clear I was drugged then raped.
That is why I dont remember what he did, only from the moment I fell "asleep" till time I woke up next morning when he took me home....
that is like a tape recording without any tapes in the machine.
Perhaps a good thing I don't remember any of it. But I do remember being very terrified, begging him to NOT do this, pleading, praying outloud.
I don't recall feeling drouzy or sleepy...just that I stopped remembering from one moment and then began back up the next morning when he warned me to NOT tell anyone or else would kill both my little sisters.
I went into the house, showered till water ran cold, then went to sleep for 2 days.
I've been told what both my folks did by not getting me help so I could "deal" with this, was just as bad as what that 45 y o monster did to me.
Many say is a good thing he didn't kill me for fear of my telling on him.
Well, he got away with it, but it left me scared for life.
CryTears
PS...I earased my story after thinking about it....many doubt my story, especially my siblings.
Also for fear others won't beleive or think I'm just feeling sorry for self...No Schitt Sherlock!
...who else felt sorry for me then? Seems no one cared about me then and still today.
I don't know why I've had to "fight" others to beleive me....
I've even offered to take polygraph, let them ask me anything they want.
Why am I the one to defend?!?! Is so wrong! I was the one who got raped! Not them!
I guess is reason I struggle still today....no one protected me, no one listened and defended me.
As if things like this NEVER happens to anyone!
I think because I was never listened to and my mothers reaction was to blame me, then beat me up for it
was just about as traumatic as the crime itself.
But I have the assurance that God knows what happened to me, so many times.
But then I ask...why didn't He defend and protect me...but then who am I?

crytears, I know what it is like when no one listens. I was emotionally abused for years and no one listened to me until the person was taken away in hand cuffs for busting my lip.

befuddled2